Need ideas, suggestions on Rescue trucks...

[arhaney]

We have an opportunity to apply for a local grant (our county only). This grant is from a foundation set up years ago by the family who built the first hospital in the city of Amory. Recently the hospital was sold and the proceeds went into this foundation, and they will be giving out 1.5 million in grants each year! For some reason this has sent us thinking..... We attended the first meeting that they held and at this meeting we were told to dream and dream big, don't be afraid to ask for anything! So here we go...........

We currently run about 225 to 300 calls per year, a lot of EMS calls, a good many MVC's. Our current rescue truck which has all of our medical equipment and rescue equipment is an E350 retired ambulance, 200,000 miles and on top of GVW as it sets. We have been thinking about replacing this truck with a rescue truck (F550 chassis) with perhaps a small tank and pump or a rescue pumper with a 1,000 GPM pump, small tank, rescue equipment, etc. This would be run in addition to our main pumper at structure fires. Additionally, if using a rescue pumper we would get rid of the rescue truck we currently have and an older ALF pumper and possibly another old tanker truck as well.
Would be nice to run one truck on an MVC instead of two for rescue operations and fire suppression.

Does any of this make sense? Does anyone else run a "rescue pumper" on a rural department? If so, how is yours set up?

Our fleet:
2 1,000 GPM pumpers, only 1 meets rating bureau standards and is furnished by county
1 350 GPM pumper, county furnished
1 rescue truck
2 brush trucks
1 3500 gallon tanker (tender )
1 3200 gallon tanker
1 1000 gallon 6X6 brush truck
1 1,500 gallon tanker

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

The only thing about rescue pumpers is you have to be willing to sacrifice the space for the pump. I really like the Pierce rescue pumpers though.

[Firetacoma1]

We run 2 "rescue" units simlar to what you describe... they also both pull double duty as brush trucks but their primary function is for EMS/MVA calls (extrication equipment, med kits, AED, etc)

Ford F-550 Chassis:

GMC chassis:


The ford carries 500 Gallons of water, has light recue capabilities.
The GMC carries 250 Gallons of water but carries our PowerHawk Extrication equipment.

Both have 2 SCBA's, tools, Cribbing, etc.

[MemphisE34a]

In your situation, a resuce pumper makes alot of sense. Why play musical vehicles with a first out piece?

I would just not sell yourself short in order to do it. Get a vehicle that can handle of of your local needs. I would say that with less than 300 runs a year that should be easy to do.

[Dave1983]

Two Q's and at least three lightbars.

Seriously, I would stay with the two or three rigs on MVCs, if nothing more then scene safety. We run our quint in addition to other rigs for this reason. Its a big rig and blocks alot of traffic.

Is this possible new rig going to need supply hose? Is there a chance you would need to supply your primary engine? Answer that question and that should tell you if you need a rescue with fire supression ability (like a small CAFS set up and a reel) or a full blown rescue engine.

[WaterbryVTfire]

there are at least 3 that look like this...(I hope this works!) My dept runs the second photo along with an engine with 5. So we have an a couple on the knob, just in case.

[MemphisE34a]

there are at least 3 that look like this...(I hope this works!) My dept runs the second photo along with an engine with 5. So we have an a couple on the knob, just in case.

I would absolutely would not buy a Coca cola truck and try to convert it to a piece of fire apparatus.

[FFFRED]

I would absolutely would not buy a Coca cola truck and try to convert it to a piece of fire apparatus.

Former depts I worked for had these "Bob's used car lot" special Coke Trucks and they aren't worth a damn.

Get a vehicle designed for firemen...not delivery drivers.

FTM-PTB

[WaterbryVTfire]

Its not a delivery truck or was it ever. It was designed by the membership, to carry all extrication/rescue tools. Due to our response area, (approx 10 miles of highly traveled interstate.) And very small station. It was decided something small was needed to get around the stopped traffic. I'd put that ugly little thing up against any of the "big boys" when comes to handling and maneverability!

[arhaney]

I would absolutely would not buy a Coca cola truck and try to convert it to a piece of fire apparatus.

I agree 110%..........Being a small volly department, funding is always a problem.
Every once in a while it's nice to be able and place an honest fire apparatus into service. We've built plenty of our equipment, now we have this chance to get something that will better fit our needs.

[Res343cue]

I would absolutely would not buy a Coca cola truck and try to convert it to a piece of fire apparatus.

Most "heavy rescues" in Vermont aren't much more then what my brother to the north posted. Many are F550s, or converted ambulances. The two that were shown are exceptions to the rule.

[WaterbryVTfire]

Opps...I think you meant that about the first pic?

[Daniel4880]

You might consider a CAFS system in lieu of a full pump. It takes up a lot less room than a full pump and tank, and is very easy to operate, leaving the DPO free to do other things. That's what we did on our brand new rescue, which should be in service in a few weeks. From the pierce website:

http://www.piercemfg.com/new_deliver...52&Type=Rescue

The reason we went with CAFS is that we have quite a bit of heavily traveled high speed highways, and enough staffing to respond one unit while other members come to the station to pick up the second piece. Our unit is probably quite a bit larger than what you are looking for, as it also does true squad work on the fireground, and water rescue support.


Daniel

[ROOKIELZ]

You might consider a CAFS system in lieu of a full pump. It takes up a lot less room than a full pump and tank, and is very easy to operate, leaving the DPO free to do other things. That's what we did on our brand new rescue, which should be in service in a few weeks. From the pierce website:

http://www.piercemfg.com/new_deliver...52&Type=Rescue

The reason we went with CAFS is that we have quite a bit of heavily traveled high speed highways, and enough staffing to respond one unit while other members come to the station to pick up the second piece. Our unit is probably quite a bit larger than what you are looking for, as it also does true squad work on the fireground, and water rescue support.

We went with a CAFS system on a Ford 550 chassis. 300 gal. tank. We have the 4x4 shift on the fly, one of our biggest debates was whether to go with a 4 door model or use that space for a hose reel. (We went with the 2 door model and got stiffed by our council on the hose reel. ) It has proved to be a good unit. Made by Snuffer and priced out ~$160,000.CDN. We got the rear compartment heater as it is something of a necessity here in the Canadian Prairies. We use it for wildland, MVA's, and an assist at structure fires. Keep in mind that it is not currently rated as an engine which is why it isn't our First Due for a structure fire. Overall, it has been a good unit for us. A few minor glitches but nothing major. There is a picture of it somewhere way way back in the Pub thread.

[MalahatTwo7]

I was involved in the early stages with Malahat's search for a new rescue truck. I've been gone from there for almost a year, but they just took possession of their new F550.

I dont have the full specs on it yet, but when I get them, I can send to you. What I do know is its diesel, 4x4, walk around cabinets and a crew cab.

Malahat runs only about 65 - 80 calls per year, but they attend a lot of medic, MVA's and brush/car fire calls. Its a rural area, with a lot of logging and off road areas, which is why the 4x4, not to mention the 10 days per year of 3 feet snow they get.

[ChiefDog]

I agree 110%..........Being a small volly department, funding is always a problem.
Every once in a while it's nice to be able and place an honest fire apparatus into service. We've built plenty of our equipment, now we have this chance to get something that will better fit our needs.

The pic of the Underhill / Jericho truck is an E-one built on a International chassis. Last I knew E-one did not build for Coke even though they do have red trucks.

The Chief, as well as 5-6 of the members/officers, own/work at the International dealership in that town. You can't ask for better service on an emergency vehicle as far as getting it in to get worked on in this area.

[Resq1scnd2none]

Not sure why the problem with the commerical chassis? Aren't there a few of those on the front line in a few big cities (Ft. Worth comes to mind). While they aren't as pretty as a Pierce or Seagrave. They stand up to just about anything. Even some "rich" departments cannot afford the big fancy "heavy rescues". And for that matter, some are a bit over kill.

[arhaney]

Not sure why the problem with the commerical chassis? Aren't there a few of those on the front line in a few big cities (Ft. Worth comes to mind). While they aren't as pretty as a Pierce or Seagrave. They stand up to just about anything. Even some "rich" departments cannot afford the big fancy "heavy rescues". And for that matter, some are a bit over kill.

I don't think that they are talking about a commercial chassis, taking a used beverage truck and converting it into a rescue truck is what they are talking about.

[arhaney]

Looks like we'll be going for an F-550 light rescue. Will have 300 gallon tank, possible foam or CAFS (has my vote ). Rescue pumper seemed like a lot of dough to ask for! Cost should be in the $100,000 dollar range. Our 10 year old commercial pumper only cost $120,000.

Perhaps the local grant will come through for us, time to park our current 200,000 mile rescue.

[ducken]

I would absolutely would not buy a Coca cola truck and try to convert it to a piece of fire apparatus.

Why?? Our dept. has done that with great sucsess. We converted it into a rehab unit, and we have plumbed it for decon. We have a small freezer with bagged ice, tons of bottled water, the big box fans (3 - 31/2 foot) with misters 20 or so of the bagged floding chairs , a couple cots and much much more. It had gotten high praise from the Red Cross and every dept. around us, And is being used county wide.

And for the original question. A rescue/pumper is a great idea. And take a look at some of the smaller builders not just the big boys pierce etc...